MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY IN KOREA

This is a six-credit graduate seminar on family issues in modern Korean society. This course comprises the framework, family issues in modern Korea, and post-1987 issues. Family issues are so important and complicated that students must understand a tool or framework to glimpse them. Traditionally, up to the 2000s, Korea had been known as a male-oriented society related to the household head system (house), a legacy of Confucianism or “tradition.” However, since it was abolished, many family-related issues have arisen in property distribution, family lineage, etc. Thus, we need a historical understanding of family issues dating back to at least the late Chosŏn dynasty (1392-1910). Korea became a developed country by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 2021, so it has to consider more gender equality and family-friendly policies. Thus, this class is devoted to understanding thorny and unique family issues by looking at the modern Korean experience and comparative issues, e.g., between Korea and Italy. In addition, normative dimensions will also be discussed quite substantially. Consequently, the desired outcome is that students clearly understand modern Korean family issues through historical and comparative perspectives.

Students will understand modern Korean experiences in labor issues so that they will see the roots of contemporary Korean society.

Reading assigned materials before each class and raising questions during the class will be strongly encouraged.

* All reading assignments except books are reserved at the Palazzo Vendramin (DSAAM) entrance. Also, you can download academic articles from Google Scholar or Ca’ Foscari Library (SBA).
* Most recommended readings will be in the Asian Studies Library.

- Look at the MOODLE

100% Final Exam (two times in January 2025 One in June and one in August or September 2025)(Essays).

Lecture and Discussion. Usually, I use PowerPoint slides each week for my lecture, which will deal with reading assignments and more.

English

Bring many questions!

written